Sal gateway to Cape Verde
For those arriving from Senegal and the calm waters of Casamance, the 460-mile crossing to the island of Sal may seem a little "sporty"... The sea can be rough and the wind quite strong. But that's how the miles add up, and soon we'll be enjoying a new stopover. Not to mention a fine crop of flying fish that come to land overnight...
After a few dozen hours' sailing, the island of Sal will be greeted with great satisfaction
In the northwest, the charming Baixa de Jao Beba is home to Palmeira, a picturesque fishing village and administrative port of entry!
The formalities are much quicker and less tedious than in Senegal. It's also where all the goods arrive. In Sal, everything has to be imported, except salt... Lack of water is an omnipresent problem on all the islands, but Palmeira has a desalination plant.
An island shaped by salt
Visiting Sal is a great way to meet the friendly, smiling local people. Returning from a fishing trip is always an authentic experience, and an opportunity for enriching exchanges.
The island of Sal takes its name from the salt industry, which has been at the heart of its economy for centuries. Today, this activity is no more than anecdotal. Sal's main source of income is tourism. A visit to the salt marshes in the Pedra da Lume crater offers breathtaking scenery.
The salt flats here are incredibly colorful, enhanced by the ochre of the earth.
Surfing and snorkeling
Kitesurfing and snorkeling enthusiasts will also enjoy this rather windy island.
Buracona, which means blue eye is a protected area. The fault forms a corridor bordered by volcanic reefs, leading to an underwater grotto. Diving enthusiasts come here from all over the world. Similarly, several famous spots in northern Sal attract kitesurfing virtuosos from all over the world.
At the southern end, Santa Maria Bay offers a long white-sand beach set in turquoise waters. However, you'll need to return to Palmeira to complete exit formalities, before sailing on to Boa Vista.
